High Functioning BiPolar Solicitor
Autobiographical Book by C.Wainwright​​ - Out Soon! 
Page 3 Family Businesses and BiPolar Stigma

Family businesses make up over 80% of all businesses in the UK and employ 14 million people. With siblings often working together jealousy and rivalry frequently arise. My Dad and his brothers were notorious in the shoe trade for heated arguments. I heard that my own brother wasn't entirely happy at my return. Eight years younger he left school with no further experience, education and even dad said he lacked people skills. Once properly medicated however I was back to normal. I could have practiced again as a solicitor or, fluent in French, could have formed my own wine company. My book will explain how my bipolar was used against me and how I was accused of punching dad in his face (a lie I hasten to add apart from rugby I have never hit anyone in the face)

Bipolar 1 is often called cruel. It can damage the best of people and cost them their careers. This 3 in 100 mental disorder can also steal 1/3 to 1/2 of your life. In my case however it was lucky for our family shoe shops that I was able to scrape through. I added prestige by changing their name to 'Footwear Specialists' and I saved our Beaconsfield shoe shop from closure. Turnover had been steadily declining and the store was only just breaking even. Neither of my codirectors had enough experience to find out what was wrong. My book explains how I rescued the branch on my own and substantially increased profitability.

Jealousy in a family business is common. Back at Princes Risborough one day a customer exclaimed how pleased she was to see me. My brother overheard. At the top of his voice he shouted out "what’s wrong with me?". It was all the proof I needed that I had to leave. Read the whole story when my memoir is published


I left Wainwrights for obvious reasons but even that was not enough for my brother. We have not spoken since. My family and I were left without an income or business to live off. My brother gloated saying there was nothing I could do about it.

After nearly 18 years working for myself (earning next to nothing) I at last have the satisfaction of writing this  book and helping to 'normalise' bipolar. I'll tell you about my depressions, my manic episode and feeling ashamed. Hiding the illness was a mistake. For me it was the wrong thing entirely.

The average persons opinion of mental illness is heavily influenced by stigma. Why then does it prevail? It must make a good story for those who aren't affected. Bipolar stigma is still deeply entrenched despite the increasing numbers fighting against it

Read how a chance meeting really upset me. Instead of pleasure the expression on this ex Aylesbury Grammar School teachers face when we met was one of sheer horror ....

Find out too how despite our broker my father was able to make a will which his own wife and solicitor said was unfair

PS
If you're concerned in any way about your security in your family business there are solicitors online who you can contact and arrange a free initial advisory discussion. You can try several and see who sounds best. You're welcome to email me for help in the strictest confidence using the contact box above. I don't give advice but can possibly help in finding someone who can. I don't charge for my time or receive any payment at all